The Huntsville TimesThe Madison County Commission and health department are providing free flu shot clinics.HUNTSVILLE, AL -- Alabama residents can now dial 2-1-1 to get answers about the H1N1 flu.

The Alabama Department of Public Health has a new agreement with 211 Connects Alabama, a statewide information and volunteer referral hotline run by the United Ways of Alabama.

Officials hope to relieve some of the heavy phone traffic the state health department has received during the last several weeks by giving people the option to call 211 instead.

Becky Booker, Executive Director of the United Ways of Alabama said callers to 211 can get information on the 10 things to do to fight H1N1 and the flu, as well as lists of effective cleaners to use on various surfaces to prevent the spread of the virus.

And when the health department releases information about where vaccines will be administered, Booker said the 211 office will provide that as well.

Booker said some phone systems may not allow 211 calls, but people can also dial toll free 1-888-4-211CONNECTS to speak with a 211 call specialist.